PLANT | GROW | LEARN – Three things I discovered in 2017;

• MIND
• BODY
• FOOD

As each year passes we learn more about ourselves, what makes us tick, what has a negative impact on our mindset and how we can create a more positive environment that promotes health and wellness both physically and mentally. The ethos of Planted Life focuses on MIND | BODY | FOOD and in 2017 we helped grow and develop all three ensuring we were living each day because sometimes we forget our day to day activities is living.

MIND

Meditation

It is said that mediation can improve your  life in 8 ways; reduce stress, improve concentration, encourage a healthy lifestyle, increase self-awareness, increase happiness, increase acceptance, slow ageing and benefit cardiovascular and immune health. Meditation is not a new practice, some of the earliest records come from the Hindu traditions of Vedantism around 1500 BCE and with our busier than ever lifestyles the need to help transform our mind from negative to positive, from disturbed to peaceful, from unhappy to happy and from fast to slow is paramount.

In August 2017 I embarked on a 4-week journey to mindfulness and presence with Al Jeffery, Catalyst and Facilitator, Realise Flow. The 4-week program was an experiential and hands-on program in which I was both excited and a little anxious about having to bring my energy and raw self to. I had allowed time to be present during the program, I wanted to harness change, I wanted to be committed and most of all I wanted to learn how I would maintain such a practice during the journey and beyond.

At the end of the journey we had to write ‘a letter to my future-self’. This letter would then be sent to each individual 6 months later by Al. Re-reading my letter I was glad I had stayed true to what I have noted down, well around 95% of it anyway. Like anything this letter and my daily meditation practice is work in progress but what stays with with me is the three words that I had written at the bottom of the letter; Be Kind. Trust. Shine.

BODY

Endurance and Sky Running

I believe part of our physical development is increased due to two factors; lack of fear and a sense of boldness. In 2017 I identified myself as an endurance trail runner, I was entering running events for both participation and results. I wanted to stand on the podium, to see my name alongside those who I admire and to be a main contender when it came to ultra endurance events. 2017 saw me do all of the above in the following:

Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER), 181km, Mt Buller to Bright, VIC – 1st Female, 1st Place Age Category (40-44) 47:05:01
Yurrebilla 56km, Adelaide, SA – 5th Female, 1st Place Age Category (40-44) 6:06:28
Surf Coast Trail Marathon 42(ish)km, Surf Coast, VIC –  3rd Female, 1st Place Age Category (36-55) 4:09:12
Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon 42km, Mt Buffalo, VIC – 1st Place Age Category (40-49) 6:22:19
Sharpy’s Beer Run 21km, Arthurs Seat, VIC – 3rd Place Female/1st Place Age Category (40-49) 2:16:09

Was it easy? Not at all but the above was made possible due to hard work, consistency and my desire to improve. I had a fire in my belly in 2017 and running my way into 2018 the fire is still burning bright with the same intensity, determination and motivation.

FOOD

Fermented Foods

I am a 100% plant-based vegan athletic individual who whole heartedly promotes the benefits of an organic wholefoods plant-based diet. 2017 saw me continue my journey to eat better, eat more high net gain foods and to unleash the potential of the 4 food groups that assist with wellness, health, energy and recovery. As well as my continued promotion of the consumption of more fruit and vegetables in particular green vegetables I discovered a few products that are now a daily staple in my diet;

Kombucha, Remedy Kombucha

Superfood Soda, Applelachia

Fresh Miso, Meru Miso

Hand Harvested Australian Seaweed, Alg

Fermented Vegetables and Water Kefir, The Fermentary 

The benefits of fermented foods include: restores gut health, increase vitamin A and C levels, helps remove toxins from the body, cuts the sugar content of foods, has cancer-fighting properties, helps you absorb nutrients better and supports immune function.  Food is nothing but a journey, there is a start but definitely no end. Food should be enjoyed and celebrated and I look forward to continuing the celebration for many, many years to come.

Happiest of New Years

The new year is the same but different. The world keeps turning, the bills keep coming and we continue on our path of the pursuit of happiness and peace. As we find ourselves settling back into the routine of a new year I put to you to continue to challenge yourself, to seek an adventure that scares you and to find quiet amongst the noise keeping true to YOUR values.

I look forward helping you with all of this both in the kitchen and on the trails; here to food & movement.